Built 7AT or ZF8 Conversion

shadow85

520tq is about 700nm.

If I build motor, and can hit close to 700nm, then I will be on the limit of the VR30 trans and need to build it. By the time I do all that, the costs would be close to doing a ZF870/75 swap I rekon which can handle 700/750nm torque, but also most likely be faster than the VR30 trans. So I think I would go with the ZF8 then the VR30

14Q60awdSPORT

If it’s the same price or close to it, go for the ZF.

However you said above 15k for ZF and 7k for built trans. A built VR30 trans is the same price as a VQ trans. Only add in a little more to shorten your driveshaft for the swap.

The stock VR30 can handle and hold 520tq/705nm just fine, many people have been daily driving 540tq/730nm no problem. It comes down to how it’s driven, and how long it’ll hold up. Say it lasts 35-40k miles then you swap in a new stock trans for about $1200-1500.

I got a FI flexplate, and sent my valve body and torque converter to IPT to upgrade those for about $1,500. And a 19’ 30k mile VR30 trans w transfer case (awd g37) for $1500. This combo should be very good at 520tq/705nm.

Then if my clutch packs ever start to go out down the road I’ll buy the upgrade clutch packs drop my trans off at a reputable local shop and get the clutch packs installed. If the shop isn’t pulling/installing the trans you can probably get clutch packs + install for under 2k usd. Or I could just swap another stock VR trans and transfer over the built VB and TC.